Multiple sources, including documentation cited by Bloomberg, have disclosed that Take-Two Interactive is planning to shut down London-based Roll7, the studio behind Rollerdrome and OlliOlli, as well as Seattle-based Intercept Games, the developer of Kerbal Space Program 2.
The information was corroborated by an official WARN filing in Washington State. According to the filing from the Employment Security Department, the closure will take effect on June 28, 2024. It mentioned that the closure will make 70 employees redundant.
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This decision is likely in connection to last month’s announcement by the publisher which revealed that it plans to lay off 5% of its global workforce or around 600 people. Take-Two is currently carrying out cost-cutting measures which would also result in the cancellation of unannounced projects.
“On April 16th, Take-Two announced a cost reduction program to identify efficiencies across its business and to enhance the Company’s margin profile, while still investing for growth,” a Take-Two spokesperson told Game Developer.
“As part of these efforts, the Company is rationalizing its pipeline and eliminating several projects in development and streamlining its organizational structure, which will eliminate headcount and reduce future hiring needs. The Company is not providing additional details on this program.
“On April 18th Private Division successfully launched Moon Studio’s No Rest for the Wicked. The label continues to make updates to Kerbal Space Program 2 and plans to release Wētā Workshop Game Studio’s Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game in the second half of 2024.”
A financial report earlier this week suggested a possible collaboration between Bloober Team and Take-Two Interactive through Private Division. At the time of writing, the publisher has yet to provide clarification on the Seattle office closure. When pressed on about the current status of Intercept Games, the Take-Two spokesperson said there’s “nothing further to note”.
Reactions to Take-Two Interactive studio closures
Although there has been sketchy information regarding the development at Intercept Games, GameBaba Universe can confirm that at least one person has spoken about the development on LinkedIn.
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Senior Talent Acquisition Partner Sarah Morris wrote, “My time with Take-Two has sadly ended. I learned a lot about myself, became a gamer, and grew as a Recruiter / Talent Acquisition Specialist. Supporting the teams, Intercept Games, Private Division, and corporate has been so much fun – so challenging and I now know a lot more about space, science, and physics than I did 2 years ago! But so much fun.”
Since this is a developing story, we will update this post or publish a follow-up to this story once we hear anything.
